Oleksandr Usyk will fight kickboxer Rico Verhoeven

Since extending his unbeaten record to 24-0, the Ukrainian star had been angling for a blockbuster showdown with former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder. Instead, in a twist few anticipated, Oleksandr Usyk will step into the ring with an unlikely challenger.

Hardcore boxing fans had long feared whispers of a crossover bout could become reality — and now they have. It was confirmed by Turki Alalshikh that Usyk, the reigning world heavyweight champion, will face kickboxing great Rico Verhoeven on May 23 in Giza, Egypt. According to reports, Usyk’s WBC heavyweight title will be on the line.

Verhoeven, 36, hails from the Netherlands and is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished heavyweight kickboxers in history. During a dominant 12-year run atop the sport, he amassed multiple world titles and established himself as the face of heavyweight kickboxing. Though primarily known for his exploits in the kickboxing ring, Verhoeven has dabbled in other combat sports. He owns a single professional boxing bout — a second-round knockout victory over 0-5 Janos Finfera in 2014 — and has also recorded a knockout win in MMA.

Meanwhile, “The Bronze Bomber” Deontay Wilder opted to pursue a bout with Derek Chisora, leaving Usyk to look elsewhere for his next challenge. In Verhoeven, the Ukrainian has selected a high-profile, if unconventional, opponent for his return to action.

“I spent twelve years as the undisputed heavyweight kickboxing champion and accomplished everything I set out to accomplish,” Verhoeven said in a press release. “But staying at the top for that long didn’t take away the hunger, it strengthened it.”

Usyk responded with respect — but also a reminder of the task ahead.

“I truly respect people who reach the very top in their sport. Rico is one of them — a powerful athlete and a great champion,” Usyk said. “Being a champion isn’t just about belts. It’s about years of hard work, discipline, and belief.

“I respect his journey — he’s truly the King of Kickboxing. But this is boxing — a different game, with its own rules and its own kings. I’m ready and really looking forward to meeting him in the ring. It’s going to be a unique experience for both of us, and I know the fans are excited too. A big night is coming!”

On May 23, beneath the historic backdrop of Giza, two reigning kings from different disciplines will collide — with heavyweight gold at stake and legacies on the line.